Arequipa City Bus Tour Review: See It All Comfortably

Alright, so you’re in Arequipa, this amazing city that is totally surrounded by volcanoes and just brimming with culture. Maybe you’re thinking about how you can see all the sights without wearing out your shoes. Arequipa City and Surroundings Bus Tour is just a real popular option. But, is it actually worth your time and money? I’m going to break down my own experience, along with some tips to actually help you decide if this kind of tour is the *perfect* choice for your travel style.

What to Expect from the Arequipa City Tour Bus Experience

Okay, first things first, that Arequipa City Tour Bus is something you see chugging around the Plaza de Armas, and I mean, you can’t miss it, actually. Often, it is an open-top double-decker bus, just ready to give you the tourist treatment. Basically, what they do is they follow a predetermined route hitting up the major attractions, is that fair? And the convenience is, that it’s appealing, especially if you only have a limited amount of time. Like, you’re visiting for a day or two maybe.

For instance, I hopped on what seems to be a sunny morning, all ready to explore. First off, the bus takes you around Plaza de Armas, so you get all these amazing looks at the basilica with this like backdrop of mountains – absolutely amazing. Most tours usually come with headphones so you can get the story on all that you are viewing. This information can really give you more info, such as the history and the important facts of these spots you will visit.

The way that they schedule things will have some variance, I should point out, yet, there are most stops that they hit pretty regularly. Typically, those are: the absolutely stunning Santa Catalina Monastery (a definite must-see, wow), the Yanahuara viewpoint (amazing for views, like your next phone background views), and some typical neighborhoods like San Lázaro (that, honestly, offers just a real glimpse into that authentic Arequipa daily life). Okay?

Pros and Cons: Is the Bus Tour Really Worth It?

Like, let’s just break down the good and, well, maybe not-so-good sides to really help you decide. Basically, there are pluses and minuses.

Pros:

Convenience: This is especially true, that it is helpful if you are short on time or have difficulty walking long distances, like most.
Good overview: You definitely get a quick, simple idea of the city’s important landmarks in like two or three hours.
Multi-Lingual Narration: Commentary in multiple languages really is offered so everyone can join in, right?

Cons:

Limited time at attractions: Usually, you get just enough time for like a quick photo-op, which can totally feel a little rushed. Like seriously rushed.
Fixed schedule: You really cannot decide to just go exploring something if you want. That tour route is what it is.
Can be touristy: Like any bus tour in an important city, I am saying you should expect tourist crowds, okay?

Personally, what I found is that this kind of bus tour is actually cool as a very first orientation to Arequipa. Really, you should think of it like tasting a bunch of little appetizers of Arequipa – so you’ll then want to go check out your favorite dishes, is that clear? It is almost a first step for your sightseeing. Like the views from the bus, they were quite nice, right? Santa Catalina Monastery, even from the bus, is simply breathtaking. Yet, for spots I found especially cool, I know that I wanted to actually return to just explore later in the day. Like on my own.

Maximizing Your Arequipa Bus Tour Experience

To truly get more from your bus tour in Arequipa, here is how I’d handle things:

Arrive Early: Get that real *perfect* seat, especially on the upper deck for the greatest views, I guess.
Research before you go: Really quickly look at the tour route, find the spots you are excited about, and then take some mental notes. Like, later when you are done you could come back.
Bring essentials: Hat, sunscreen, water. Very important! That sun will beat down on you while riding.
Take notes or pictures: Jot down the things you want to re-visit or remember, that way you don’t depend upon memory.

And, like I am saying, think about mixing the bus tour with doing some other exploration on your own. Like, the bus is an appetizer, then you do dinner on your own terms!

Alternatives to the Arequipa City Bus Tour

So, a bus tour is what you could consider, though you may wish to get alternatives?

Free Walking Tours: There are so many available! These, too, are fantastic for actually exploring that historical city center on foot and also learning from an expert. It’s good. Just always be prepared to tip your guide, of course.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Comfortable, is that true? Well yes, they’re flexible. Taxis or ride-sharing are great for going directly to destinations not on your bus route and at a pace that you can change. I am just warning you to settle that rate beforehand.
Local buses: If you are brave enough and have a map in hand, try out the local buses. These are like what everyone takes, and they will show you things! I am telling you, be ready for anything because you can definitely get yourself good and lost this way if you are not on the top of it.
Rent a car: And it has four wheels! With more flexibility for those that are ready to get on the route and travel a ways from the city! Be very careful because traffic may be intense! Also, parking can be very bad as well!

So there you have it. It might be fun. Think of these options when planning that visit.

Final Thoughts: Is the Arequipa City Bus Tour Right for You?

So, at the end of the day, is taking a bus tour through the amazing Arequipa good for you? That simply is based on how *you* love traveling, to me. Just in case that you love things like structured itineraries and that great quick-hit overview of places, totally hop on a bus! Just keep in mind, though, there is so much beauty in being more local on foot at times, really.

Myself, I did enjoy it. But I knew that as soon as I did that overview with my headphones and got off, it wasn’t the end of what I saw that day – but really just the beginning! Remember that when you arrive!

To finish up, let’s just get to those simple takeaways:

For: Those wanting just that quick and simple overview with no stress.
Against: Those wanting to take their time, and that seek just a real deeper connection.
Just so you know: Mix it up – hop on that bus, and also do a little walk!

Okay. Have fun planning the travel to this beautiful town!